Page 278 of 528
Black plate (92,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
TRANS (Transmission)
HOT IDLE ENGINE
Notice:If you drive the vehicle while the
transmission fluid is overheating and the
transmission temperature warning is displayed on
the instrument panel cluster and/or DIC, you can
damage the transmission. This could lead to costly
repairs that would not be covered by the warranty.
Do not drive your vehicle with overheated
transmission fluid or while the transmission
temperature warning is displayed.
This message displays when the transmission fluid in
your vehicle is too hot. Stop the vehicle and allow it to
idle until the transmission cools down or until this
message is removed.
TRUNK OPEN
This symbol appears
with this message.
This message displays when the trunk is not closed
completely. Make sure that the trunk is closed
completely.
TURN SIGNAL ON
This message displays and a chime sounds if a turn
signal is left on for about 1 mile (1.6 km). Turn off the
turn signal.
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Page 347 of 528

Black plate (35,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Trailer Brakes
Does the trailer have its own brakes? Be sure to
read and follow the instructions for the trailer brakes so
they are installed, adjusted and maintained properly.
Because the vehicle has StabiliTrak
®, do not try to tap
into the vehicle's hydraulic brake system. If you do, both
brake systems will not work well, or at all.
Trailer Wiring Harness
All of the electrical circuits required for the trailer lighting
system can be accessed at the driver side rear lamp
connector. This connector is located under the carpet
on the rear corner of the trunk compartment.
Driving with a Trailer
Towing a trailer requires a certain amount of
experience. Get to know the rig before setting out
for the open road. Get acquainted with the feel of
handling and braking with the added weight of the
trailer. And always keep in mind that the vehicle you
are driving is now longer and not as responsive as the
vehicle is by itself. Before starting, check all trailer hitch parts and
attachments, safety chains, electrical connectors,
lamps, tires and mirror adjustments. If the trailer has
electric brakes, start the vehicle and trailer moving and
then apply the trailer brake controller by hand to be sure
the brakes are working. This checks the electrical
connection at the same time.
During the trip, check occasionally to be sure that the
load is secure, and that the lamps and any trailer
brakes are still working.
Following Distance
Stay at least twice as far behind the vehicle ahead as
you would when driving the vehicle without a trailer.
This can help to avoid situations that require heavy
braking and sudden turns.
Passing
More passing distance is needed when towing a trailer.
Because the rig is longer, it is necessary to go much
farther beyond the passed vehicle before returning to
the lane.
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Page 361 of 528

Black plate (11,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
{WARNING:
If a fire starts while you are refueling, do not
remove the nozzle. Shut off the flow of fuel by
shutting off the pump or by notifying the station
attendant. Leave the area immediately.
Notice: If you need a new fuel cap, be sure to get
the right type. Your dealer can get one for you.
If you get the wrong type, it may not fit properly.
This may cause the malfunction indicator lamp to
light and may damage the fuel tank and emissions
system. See Malfunction Indicator Lamp
on
page 4‑62.
Filling a Portable Fuel Container
{WARNING:
Never fill a portable fuel container while it is in
the vehicle. Static electricity discharge from the
container can ignite the fuel vapor. You can be
badly burned and the vehicle damaged if this
occurs. To help avoid injury to you and others:
.Dispense fuel only into approved containers.
.Do not fill a container while it is inside a
vehicle, in a vehicle's trunk, pickup bed, or on
any surface other than the ground.
.Bring the fill nozzle in contact with the inside
of the fill opening before operating the nozzle.
Contact should be maintained until the filling is
complete.
.Do not smoke while pumping fuel.
.Do not use a cellular phone while
pumping fuel.
6-11
Page 398 of 528
Black plate (48,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Back-Up Lamps
To replace a back-up lamp bulb:1. Open the trunk. See Trunk on page 3‑15.
2. Pull out the push pins holding down the top portion
of the cloth cover.
3. Fold the cover down slightly and locate the lamp assembly. 4. Turn the socket counterclockwise and pull it
straight out to remove it from the lamp assembly.
5. Pull the old bulb straight out and reinstall the new bulb.
6. Put the cover back in place and reinstall the push pins.
Replacement Bulbs
Exterior Lamp Bulb Number
Back-up 3157K
For replacement bulbs not listed here, contact your
dealer.
Windshield Replacement
The windshield is part of the Head-Up Display (HUD)
system. If you ever have to get the windshield replaced,
get one that is designed for HUD or the HUD image
may look out of focus.
6-48
Page 444 of 528

Black plate (94,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
Storage
The tire sealant and compressor kit is located in the
trunk.1. Open the trunk. See Trunk
on page 3‑15.
2. Remove the retainer that holds the tire sealant and
compressor kit in place.
3. Remove the tire sealant and compressor kit from the foam container.
To store the tire sealant and compressor kit, reverse the
steps.
Changing a Flat Tire
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire and wheel damage
by driving slowly to a level place, well off the road,
if possible. Turn on the hazard warning flashers. See
Hazard Warning Flashers on page 4‑3.
{WARNING:
Changing a tire can be dangerous. The vehicle
can slip off the jack and roll over or fall on you or
other people. You and they could be badly injured
or even killed. Find a level place to change your
tire. To help prevent the vehicle from moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put the shift lever in P (Park).
3. Turn off the engine and do not restart while the vehicle is raised.
4. Do not allow passengers to remain in the vehicle.
(Continued)
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Page 446 of 528
Black plate (96,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Removing the Spare Tire and Tools
The equipment you will need is located in the trunk. To
access to the compact spare tire and jacking
equipment:1. Open the trunk. See Trunk
on page 3‑15for more
information.
2. Remove the compact spare tire cover.
3. Pull the stow rod (A) to remove it.
4. Turn the nut (B) holding the jack package container counterclockwise and remove it. Then remove the
jack and wheel wrench.
5. Remove the compact spare tire. See Compact
Spare Tire
on page 6‑105for more information
about the compact spare tire.
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Page 453 of 528
Black plate (103,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
15. Tighten the wheel nutsfirmly in a crisscross
sequence as shown.
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and
Tools
{WARNING:
Storing a jack, a tire, or other equipment in the
passenger compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or collision, loose
equipment could strike someone. Store all these
in the proper place.
Full-Size Tire and Tools
After you have put the compact spare tire on your
vehicle, you will need to do the following to store the flat
tire in your trunk.
1. Open the trunk. See Trunk
on page 3‑15.
2. Store the jack and wheel wrench in the jack container in the trunk.
When storing the jack, in the container, it must be
raised until the screw end is flush with the edge of
the jack.
3. Store the flat tire as far forward in the trunk as possible.
The compact spare is for temporary use only. Replace
the compact spare tire with a full-size tire as soon as
you can.
6-103
Page 454 of 528
Black plate (104,1)Cadillac STS Owner Manual - 2011
Compact Spare Tire and Tools
Use the following diagram as a guide for storing the
compact spare tire and tools in the trunk:
A. Compact SpareTire Cover
B. Stow Rod Cap
C. Plastic Wing Nut
D. Retainer E. Jack Container Package
(With Wheel Wrench
and Jack)
F. Compact Spare Tire
G. Foam Support H. Bolt 1. Open the trunk. See
Trunk on page 3‑15.
2. Make sure the foam support (G) is in place in the trunk area.
3. Reinstall the compact spare tire (F) making sure to line up the wheel center hole with the bolt (H) and
place on the compartment floor.
4. Insert the jack container (E) with wheel wrench and jack into the center of the compact spare tire
making sure to line up the wheel nut hole with the
bolt (H) on the compartment floor.
5. Secure the tire and wheel with the retainer (D) and wing nut (C).
6. Cover the exposed bolt with the stow rod cap (B).
7. Reinstall the compact spare tire cover (A).
6-104